Ohio Senate Race 2012 Sherrod Brown vs. Josh Mandel - Case Study Example

The key issue that the candidates are asking voters to consider is the recently passed health care law, popularly known as “Obamacare.” On one hand, Brown, just as a majority of Democrats, likes the law and supported its passage. On the other hand, Mandel wants this law repealed (Torry, “Healthcare”). Indeed, the healthcare issue has been divisive not only amongst Ohioans, but also across the entire nation. This issue is important because Ohioans will identify the candidate who will support their preferred choice for healthcare.

The two candidates are asking voters to consider the issue of abortion, which is another issue that draws emotions in the American society with people being either pro-choice or against abortion. This issue is crucial, especially amongst women voters, since they need to make a decision regarding the candidate who will support their needs. In addition, the recent global financial crisis is another issue that the candidates are asking voters to consider. In line with this, voters will want to know the candidate who will bring measures that reduced the States federal debt while improving the economy of the state (Torry, “Federal Debt”).

On one hand, Brown portrays himself as a defender of the middle class and a supporter of the rights of women. . Conversely, Mandel projects Brown’s pro-choice image as views of an extremist (Sewell). Through campaign ads, debates, and public rallies, the candidates are able to get their messages out to the voters. In fact, the Ohio Senate race is the most expensive race this election year (Davidson). Hence, various people and groups have spent money on ads in this campaign since the stakes are high.

The candidates have tried hard to avoid any gaffes and controversies that might cost them the race due to the thin margin in the opinion polls. However, Mandel’s gaffe of calling Mourdock a “gentleman” and his remarks about abortion a “class act” might influence the voting patterns amongst women (Sewell). Nonetheless, Mandel indicated that he did not agree with Mourdock’s statement and the media failed to highlight this issue. The media’s coverage of the race is faultless. In this case, the local media and the national media have been instrumental in highlighting the issues that these two candidates propose to the voters.

In addition, the analysis and the reporting have been fair since each candidate appears to have equal airplay by the media covering the race. Brown’s message to the voters regards the improvement of the State’s economy, and he provides specifics on the issue of taxes. On the other hand, Josh’s main message to the voters on tax opposes Brown’s message on tax extensions. However, the two candidates do not provide the specifics that lay a plan on reducing the deficit that the State is currently facing (Torry, “Federal Debt”).

Thus, the media are not distorting the messages from these two candidates as the two candidates failed to provide a clear approach of dealing with the